A tense exchange marked the standing committee meeting on proposed amendments to the Election Act, as PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clashed. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Rana Aradat Sharif, convened to review amendments to the Elections Act 2017. The meeting saw a sharp disagreement between opposition member Ali Muhammad Khan and Minister Azam Nazir Tarar over the nature and handling of the proposed private member’s bill. Ali Muhammad Khan criticized Tarar's advocacy for the bill, asserting that as a private member’s bill, it should not receive government support. Tarar countered, insisting on his right to advocate for the bill, despite Khan’s objections.

The exchange escalated with accusations of procedural overreach, with Khan accusing Tarar of attempting to “bulldoze” the process. In a subsequent statement, Tarar emphasized that the bill aims to enforce strict party affiliation rules, arguing that once a candidate joins a political party, the affiliation should be permanent and non-negotiable. He further criticized PTI for not addressing their grievances through proper channels and lamented the mixing of court decisions with parliamentary matters. Despite the controversy, the Law Minister voiced support for the proposed amendments, asserting that they align with constitutional and legal standards. The debate reflects ongoing tensions over electoral reforms and procedural transparency in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan